What is Rohypnol?

History of Use

Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) was first synthesized in Europe in 1972 by Hoffman-La Roche Pharmaceuticals as a sleeping aid and an anesthetic. Its illicit use began in 1975, once it was marketed as Rohypnol. Rohypnol became a popular recreational drug because of its intoxicating effects. By the 1990s, Rohypnol gained recognition in the United States as a club drug among young adults in bars and nightclubs and at raves and concerts. Rohypnol quickly achieved a reputation as a “date rape” drug for use in sexual assaults because it readily disappears in drinks and then sedates, incapacitates, and erases the memory of persons who consume it. Rohypnol became one of the most dangerous benzodiazepines available.

Rohypnol is not approved for any use, even medical, in the United States but is legal in numerous countries worldwide. It is classified with other benzodiazepines as a schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (1970) as a drug with potential dependence. Once Rohypnol’s dangers were recognized, numerous US states reclassified it as a schedule I controlled substance with no legitimate medical use. This prompted the US Congress to pass the Drug-Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment Act (1996) to increase penalties for distributing a controlled substance to unknowing persons. Despite reformulation efforts to increase the visibility of Rohypnol tablets in drinks, its misuse remains a concern.

Effects and Potential Risks

Like other benzodiazepines, Rohypnol acts by stimulating the release and binding of gamma-amino butyric acid, a natural nerve-calming agent, to receptors in the brain. This effect causes brain activity to slow and then to induce sleep, reduce anxiety, and relax muscles.

Rohypnol’s short-term effects are attributed to its sedative properties. It induces feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and intoxication. Negative short-term effects include amnesia, blackouts, drowsiness, confusion, nausea, and impaired coordination.

Rohypnol is a dangerous and potent substance. It is often used with other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, to enhance a high or to alleviate symptoms of withdrawal. When combined with alcohol, Rohypnol can cause serious disorientation and memory loss. Furthermore, it is a tasteless and odorless drug that is easily, and often unknowingly, consumed.

Similar to other benzodiazepines, long-term Rohypnol use can lead to mental difficulties, aggression, dependence, and addiction. High doses of Rohypnol can cause respiratory depression.

Bibliography

Adams, Colleen. Rohypnol: Roofies—“The Date Rape Drug.” New York: Rosen, 2007. Print.

Doweiko, Harold. Concepts of Chemical Dependency. Belmont: Brooks, 2009. Print.

Drug Enforcement Administration. “Rohypnol.” Drugs of Abuse, 2015 Edition. US Dept. of Justice, 2015. PDF file.

Kuhn, Cynthia, Scott Swartzwelder, and Wilkie Wilson. Buzzed: The Straight Facts about the Most Used and Abused Drugs from Alcohol to Ecstasy. Rev. 4th ed. New York: Norton, 2014. Print.

Larsen, Laura, ed. Drug Abuse Sourcebook. 4th ed. Detroit: Omnigraphics, 2014. Print.